The primary objective of the visit to Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts was to assess on-ground progress of Natural Farming-based apple production under the (Sustainable Food Systems Platform for Natural Farming) SuSPNF initiative, strengthen market linkages through direct procurement from farmers, Natural Farming Oriented FPOs and KVKs, and promote CETARA-NF certification awareness among natural farmers. The visit also aimed to facilitate farmer–market–institution convergence by engaging KVKs, progressive natural farmers, and SuSPNF partners (Jaivik Haat and Magasool) in practical field-level coordination.
Farmer & KVK Interactions
Meetings and interactive workshops were organized at KVK Sharbo (Kinnaur) and KVK Tabo (Spiti) in coordination with the respective KVK Heads and staff. During these interactions, the SuSPNF project overview was presented, highlighting:
- CETARA-NF certification and its benefits for natural farmers.
- Market opportunities through UHF Naturals and JaivikHaat supply chain network.
- The role of HimSHIKHAR mobile application in providing digital advisory, certification access, and market linkages.
- Additionally a session was held with about 100 producers in the Malling area near Nako on 10.Oct.2025. The session was hosted by RHRTS Sharbo and the discussion also included MoolyaSHIKHAR True price discovery methods with the farmers.
Apple Procurement Drive
As part of SuSPNF’s value-chain strengthening activity, JaivikHaat and Magasool jointly undertook direct procurement of naturally grown apples from KVKs and farmers. The initiative aimed to connect Himachal’s natural farming produce directly with urban consumers under a transparent “farm-to-fork” system.
The procurement details are as follows:
| Location | Farmer/Institution | Quantity (Boxes) | Remarks |
| KVK Sharbo (Kinnaur) | Institutional procurement | 50 | Procured for direct marketing |
| Hitender Mohan (Kinnaur) | Individual farmer | 180 | Natural farming apple, high quality |
| KVK Tabo (Spiti) | Institutional procurement | 5 | Marketing |
| Abhimanyu (Spiti) | Farmer | 784 | Excellent grade apples, residue-free |
| Norphel (Sumra Homestay, Spiti) | Farmer | 158 | Natural farming orchard |
| Sumra Village Farmers | Collective | 120 | Certified under CETARA-NF |
| Total | 1,297 |
Each farmer was/will be paid 60-70% of the procurement value on-site based on successful sale realisation and wastage avoidance, with the remaining payment scheduled upon final sales realization and verification.
Sample Collection for Residue Testing: During the visit, three samples were collected—two from farmer orchards and one from KVK Tabo—for residue analysis to validate natural farming practices and demonstrate “chemical-free” produce integrity. It is interesting to note that this year the KVK center at Tabo realised an auction result of ₹ 9lacs for the 2 star rated Natural Farming plot. This is a record of sorts and also the first for any KVK across India.
Observations and Outcomes
- Farmers in Spiti and Kinnaur expressed strong motivation to continue natural farming, citing improved soil health and produce quality.
- Direct procurement at fair prices boosted farmer confidence and demonstrated the potential of market-driven sustainability.
- The CETARA-NF certification awareness and acceptance significantly improved among participants.
- Farmers and KVK staff appreciated the transparency of the digital traceability model and its integration with marketing networks.